Leaders of many foreign political parties and organizations from around the world have sent congratulatory messages to the Communist Party of China (CPC) on the convening of its 17th National Congress.

In his message, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, president of the Maldives and Leader of the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), congratulated the CPC on the convening of its 17th National Congress, and extended greetings to the leadership and members of the CPC.

"The recent exchange of visits by senior delegations of the DRP and the CPC symbolize the growing ties of friendship and understanding between our two parties, and indeed our two countries," Gayoom said, adding: "These ties are flourishing on a strong foundation of mutual understanding and goodwill."

The social and economic development of China over the past decades had been phenomenal, he noted. Gayoom wished continued peace, progress and prosperity to the Chinese people, and further success and achievement for the CPC.

In his message, Nikola Gruevski, prime minister of Macedonia and president of the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization-Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity, said the 17th CPC National Congress is of great significance to China's future and the Chinese people.

The resolutions from the Congress will further push forward China's reforms, and strengthen the CPC's ability to cope with challenges in the process of leading the country on the path of rapid development and on the march to prosperity, he said.

Gruevski also expressed thanks for the great contributions that China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has made to the maintenance of peace and stability in Southeast Europe.

Bulgarian Prime Minister and Bulgarian Socialist Party President Sergei Stanisev said the CPC will continue its efforts to change the economy's growth mode, increase input in the rural areas, improve energy efficiency and better protect the environment. The CPC will also make further progress in the areas of education, employment, social security, health and housing, Stanisev said.

The CPC National Congress would give fresh impetus to efforts to promote China's economic strength and its competitiveness, Stanisev said.

Prime Minister of Vanuatu and National United Party President Ham Lini Vanuaroroa said his party "recognizes the important role played by the CPC through its national congresses in taking important decisions that have shaped China's socio and economic development processes as well as shaping the global economic and geo-political environment."

The National United Party appreciates the good working relationship with the CPC, and has benefited from fruitful exchanges in the past, the party leader said. The National United Party is committed to promote a long-term relationship with the CPC and looks forward to further dialogue and cooperation with it in the future, Lini said.

Samoan Prime Minister and Leader of the Human Rights Protection Party Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi said in his greetings that the convening of the CPC National Congress is timely as China enters a key stage of reform and development, and the Congress will serve as the forum to review the Party's work during the past five years.

Acting Prime Minister of Dominica and Deputy Leader of the Dominica Labor Party Ambrose George said the Congress will be a historic one, and China and the Chinese people would move forward under a new leadership to be elected by the Congress.

President of the United Russia Party Boris Gryzlov believed the17th CPC National Congress will become a significant event in China's political life, and will exert a positive influence on China's sustainable development.

(Xinhua News Agency October 15, 2007)